Campaigning Ends for Assembly Elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry; Polling Set for April 9

Authorities have ramped up security and administrative steps to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful polls.

In the final push today, top leaders from major parties rallied voters and bolstered support in these regions. Our Assam correspondent reports that senior BJP leader Amit Shah spearheaded the party's campaign in the three Barak Valley districts.

Puducherry Wraps Up 2026 Legislative Assembly Campaign

Campaigning for Puducherry's Legislative Assembly elections ended this evening, closing out electioneering in the Union Territory. After roadshows, public meetings, and outreach efforts, leaders from various parties delivered last-minute appeals. On the final day, national and state leaders held events across Puducherry.

The mandatory 48-hour silence period began at 6 PM, per Election Commission of India guidelines. District Election Officers in Puducherry and Karaikal issued prohibitory orders until 6 AM Friday, banning unlawful assemblies, public meetings, processions, loudspeakers, and election-related broadcasts like opinion polls. Non-voters and campaign staff must leave constituencies.

Polling starts Thursday at 1,099 stations across all 30 seats, with 294 candidates in the fray. The Election Commission has deployed robust security, including webcasting for live monitoring from a central room while protecting voter secrecy. A paid holiday ensures eligible voters can participate.

Kerala Enters Silence Period with Heightened Security

Kerala Assembly election campaigning concluded today, kicking off the silence period. Security has been bolstered statewide with 76,000 personnel deployed, plus 160 central force teams. Of 2,040 polling booths, 2,040 are deemed sensitive and will get extra protection. A 48-hour liquor ban is also in effect.